Mechanism for controlling knitting needles in plating operations



July 9, 1929. J. LAWSON ET AL 1.720,649

MECHANISM FOR CONTROLLING KNITTING NEEDLES IN PLATING OPERATIONS Filed March 10, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet l Z1 24 Inveniors: E3 John/Lawson 11 5826121 Laws n,

July 9, 1929. J. LAWSON ET AL MECHANISM FOR CONTROLLING KNITTING NEEDLES IN PLATING OPERATIONS Filed March 10, 192. 3 Sheets-Sheet 17 0 em To ms J07u Laa'sou.

HObf'a'I 11. Lazvaow,

July 9, 1929. J. LAWSON ET AL 1.720,649

MECHANISM FOR CONTROLLING KNITTING NEEDLES IN PLATING OPERATIONS Filed March 10, 1927 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 I nve n50 F's John/Lawson, RobewZIfLawson,

3963.; flat Patented July 9,- 1929.

UNITED STATES 1,720,649 PATENT v OFFICE.

JOHN LAWSON AND ROBERT E. LAWSON, OF PAWTUCKET, RHODE ISLAND, ASSIGNOBS I TO HEMPHILL COMIANY, OF CENTRAL FALLS, RHODE ISLAND, A CORPORATION OF MASSACHUSETTS.

MECHANISM FOR CONTROLLING KNITTING NEEDLES IN ILATDIG OPERATIONS.

Application filed March 10,

This invention relates to mechanism for controlling knitting needles in plating operations, and particularly to means for moving outwardly predetermined needles when nor mal plating is to occur thereat. Generic claims to this invention are contained in applicants patent No. 1,690,076, dated October .30, 1928, issued on an application filedas a division of this application and the clalms of this application are restricted to combinations wherein reverse plating is effected throughthe cooperation of thread engaging instrumentalities movable transversely to the needle series. e In order that the principle of the invention mav be readily understood, we have disclosed certain embodiments of the invention as well as certain mechanism and instrumentalities whereby the invention may be practised. Fig. 1 is a plan view of the sinker or web holder bed ring and showing in horizoptal section the cams of the sinker cam ring, the top plate of said ring being removed;

Fig. 2 is a vertical transverse section upon the line 2-2 of Fig. 1 and looking in the di rection of the arrows in said figure, the needle being shown in its inner position;

3 is a view similar to Fig. 2, but upon the line 33 of Fig. 1, looking in the same direction and showing the needle outwardly moved;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a regular web holder or sinker, the special instrumentality cooperating in either normal or reverse plating, and one form of jack or element employed in the practice of the in- V vention;

5 is a vertical section upon the line Y 55 of Fig. 2, and looking in the direction of the arrows in said figure;

Fig. 6 is a detail in plan of the sinker ring and certain parts in the grooves thereof;

Fig. 7 is a vertical transverse section similar to Fig. 2 but of another form of the Fig. 8 is a perspective view of the instrumentalities employed with that form of the invention shown in Fig. 7

Figs. 9, 10 and 11 are views similar to Figs. 6, 7 and 8, but of a third form of the invention; and v Figs. 12, 13, 14, and 15 are views similar to Figs. 6, 7 and 8, but of a fourth form of the invention.

1927. Serial No. 174,178,

In the patent to Robert H. Lawson, No.

1,605,895, dated November 2, 1926, there are disclosed means for effecting reverse plating a i through the action of casting oflf mechanism,

the transverse movements whereof are selectively governed, whereby a great variety of patterns may be provided. In the present apphcation means are disclosed particularly constitutmg improvements upon or adapted to be used with the mechanism shown in said Patent 1,605,896, but which may be used with mechanism such as shown in said Patent 1,605,895. The mechanism here shown isalso of general application.

Referring first to that form of the mechamsm shown in Figs. 1 to 5 inclusive, the web holder bed ring is indicated at 1, it having radial or transversely extending grooves 2,

for receiving the regular web holders or sinkers indicated at 3 in the several figures, and also for receiving the special instrumentalities indicated at 4 in said figures. The sinker cam ring, the top plate whereof has been removedfrom Fi 1, but which is indicated at 5 in Figs. 2 an 3, is equipped with a series of cams for providing different pathways, in the inner one 6 whereof the regular web holders are guided by their butts 7 and in the two outer ones 8, 9 whereof the special instrumentalities 4 are guided by their butts 10 dependmg upon whether normal or reverse plating is being effected. For reverse plating upon the needle corresponding to any specified special instrumentality, the butt 10 of that special instrumentality is in the innermost groove 8 of said two outer pathways, and for normal plating the butt 10 of that special instrumentality is in the outer pathway 9.

Between the pathways 8 and 9 is a cam 11 of general segmental form, and between the pathways 6 and 8 is a cam 12 also of general segmental form. The said cams '11 and 12 are sufliciently spaced from each other to re ceive the butts 10 of the special instrumentalities when the same have been directed thereinto in any suitable manner. as, for exemple, by selective means such as shown in the Lawson 'Patent 1,605,896. It will be noted that the special instrumentalities 4 are of greater length than the regular sinkers or web holders 3, and also that the outer ends and butts ot' the special instrumentalities 4 are thickened so as to occupy the entire width of each groove Each of said grooves 2 is made of greater dcpth than usual, as for example one thirty-second of aninch deeper, in order to receive therein a jack or element 13, hereinafter more fully referred to. The segmental cam 11 is provided with an inwardly sloping or inwardly extending end part 14, the purpose of which is to move the special instrumentality radially inward at an earlier point circumferentially considered,- or, in other words, at an earlier point in the stitch forming operation than the regular web hold-' ers are moved inward at or near the casting off point. The purpose of this action is substantially that described in said Lawson Patent 1,605,895. Slightly circuinferentia-lly be-' yond the point where the special instrumentalities are so moved inward, that is, to the left thereof viewing Fig. 1, the inner edge of the cam 9 is sloped inward as indicated at 15, such slope terminating in the point 16 cir eumferentially beyond which the edge of the cam 12 slopes again outwardly as indicated at 17. The purpose of the slope 15 up to the point 16 is to force the regular web holders inwardly in the regular stitch forming operation.

At an earlier point circumferentially considered than the inwardly extending end part 14, the cam 11 is provided at its outer edge with an enlargement or radiallv thickened cam of substantial circumferential extent indicated at 18 in Fig. 1. The purpose of this enlargement, which is indicated in section in Fig. 3, is to cause the special instrumentality 4 to be moved slightly further outwardly by engagement with the butt 10 thezeof.

Assuming that the mechanism is used with that type of selective means shown in the Lawson Patent 1605,896, the butts 10 of those special instrumentalities 4, which are selected for reverse plating, ride in the pathway 8, the other special instrumentalities 4, being those at which normal plating is to be effected,

remaining in the outermost pathway 9. In the continued movement of the parts, the said Selected special instrumentalities 4 are projccted inward by the inclined edge 14. and very shortly thereafter the regular Web holders or sinkers 3, whose butts 7 ride in the inner pathway 6, are also projected inward. The foregoing constitutes one type ofprimary means for effecting normal and reverse plating at desired needles.

In accordance with our invention, we provide means for effecting in and out movements of the needles, and particularly for moving outward those needles upon which normal plating is to be effected. Inasmuch as we believe that it is broadly novel to move needles for this purpose, we'desire to claim the same broadly and have shown several forms of means whereby the broad purpose of our invention may be-efi'ected. The first form of that part of our invention is that shown in Figs. 2, 3, 4 and 5.

It is to be understood that the needle movement may be employed with mechanism for producing normal plating, but not for producing reverse plating. An important purpose achieved by moving needlesoutwardly as described. is to insure a very sharp line of demarcation between normal and reverse plating areas, that is, when changing from reverse plating to normal plating. In Figs. 1 to 5, however, We have shown the needle movement in connection with means for efiecting either normal plating or reverse plating, it being understood that when the needle is in its outer position, normal plating is to be eifecte'd thereon.

In said Figs. 2 to 5, the regular sinker or web holder 3 may be of any usual shape and requires no further description. The special instrumentality may in this case be of any form that is adapted for effecting normal plating and reverse plating depending upon the transverse position of said instrumentality with respect to the needle series. In the said figures, the special instrumentality 4 is provided with an upright forward face or edge 19, which when the said instrumentality is projected radially inward efi'ects thread engagement as fully described in said Lawson Patent 1,605,896, so that reverse plating is effected. In this case, said special instrumentality 4 is also provided with a hump 20, which functions only in normal plating and is intended to engage and momentarily to separate the two threads in a manner not necessary more fully to describe. One of the needles is indicated at 21. It is positioned in the usual groove 22 in the needle cylinder 23, being provided with a butt 24, and being held against the bottom of the groove 22 b the usual surrounding spring band 25.

W s provide a jack or element 13 for each of the radial or inwardly extending grooves 2 of the sinker or web holder bed ring 1. In that form of said element shown in Figs. 2

' to 5, it is positioned beneath both the regular web holder 3 and the special instrumentality 4, being of the full width of the groove and having at its inner end a hook 26 and at its outer end a butt 27. Said element 13 is of suflicient lengthso that its hook 26 may extend to the inner or back edge 28 of the needle and the butt 27 engage the outer edge of the butt 10 of the special instrumentality. It will be understood that there-is no lost motion between the butt 10 of the special instrumentality 4 and the butt 27 of the element 13; on the contrary, the very slight outward movement of the special instrumentality 4 'caused'by the edge 18 of Figs. 1 and 3 instantly causes the element 13 to move out to the same extent thereby causing the needle 21 to rock outwardl from its lower end against the tension of t e spring band 25, into the position shown in Fig. 3. As soon as the edge 18 has been passed by the butt 10 of that the return of the needle 21 to its position shown in Fig. 1.

In that form of our broad invention shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8, the same general construction of parts is or may be provided excepting for the changes now to be described, and therefore the same reference characters are em loyed to indicate the same parts.

nstead of employing a jack or element sliding or lengthwise movable in the groove of the special instrumentality, the needle groove 22 is inwardly deepened for a considerable extent at its upper end as indicated at 29 in Fi 7. Within said deepened part of the need e groove at the back of the needle is provided a jack or element 30 engaging the back of the needle as clearly shownin Fig.

- 8 and having a bent upper end 31 extending into a notch 32 in the lower edge of the special instrumentality 4. It will be understood that in each of the several forms of our invention the cam arrangement of Fig. 1 is employed and that therefore the cam edge 18 is provided to impart a slight outward movement to the special instrumentalities 4. When that oint in the operation is reached, the eflect 0 said edge 18, when using that form of our invention shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8, is to cause the edge of the notch-32 to move the jack or element 30 by reason of the engagement of said ed e of the notch with the bent end 31 of the jacdr or element 30. This results in swinging the needle 21 outward into the position shown in Fig. 3. The needle is restored to its inner position by the spring band 25 as before.

That form of invention shown in Figs. 6, 7 and 8 is also adapted for use in an organization wherein or whereby reverse plating is efi'ected, since the s cial instrumentalities 4 are provided with t e edges 19 for such purose. p In that form of our invention shown in Figs. 9, 10 and 11, the needle groove 22 is or may be of usual depth, and the needle movement is imparted by a hook or bent part 33 formed upon the special instrumentality 34 as shown most clearly in Fig. 11. While'the hook 33' or like formation might be employed upon a special instrumentality which itself is shaped to cooperate in eflecting reverse plating at desired times, it will be evident that the special instrumentality 34 is not provided with a formation to cooperate in effecting reverse plating. In other words, the construction of Fig. 11 is particularly intended for use where reverse plating occurs in some manner or through some instrumentality at certain needles, and it is desired to change-from reverse plating to normal platin The special instrumentality 34 is provided with the usual butt 10 and the latter engages the edge 18 of Fig. 1, as already described for effecting outward movement of the needle against the tension of the spring band instrumentality 4, the spring band 25 causes 25 In that form of our invention shown in j Figs. 12 to 15, we have represented the special instrumentalities 4 as adapted to cooperate ineifectin reverse plating by means of its upright e ge 19. The regular web holder 3 is edge 36 for a portion of its length to overe hang and be supported by the top edge 37 of the lowermost nib of the special instrumentality. Said jack or element'36 is extended in an outward direction toward the butt 10 of =the special instrumentality as indicated at 38, and at its end is bent into a hook 39 that takes against the outer vertical edge 40 of the special instrumentality 4, as clearly shown in Fig. 14. The said jack or element 35 is re ceived within the recess 41, which affords suflicient room for all of said jacks or elements 35, since saidrecess extends entirely about the needle cylinder. It will be understood a that the cam edge 18 acting as already described upon the butt 10 of the special instrumentality 4 shown in Fig. 14 moves the same radially outward, thereby moving outward the jack or element 35. Said jack or element at its end opposite the hook 39 is provided with a' hook 42 which takes against the back edge of the needle 21. Thus the outer movement of said jack or element 35 causes the needle 21 to rock outward against the tension of the spring band 25 in a manner already described, to be restored by said spring band when the butt 10 passes the edge 18.

It will be understood that the two threads are fed in a plating relation preferably in the manner disclosed in the said patents to Robert H. Lawson, Nos. 1,605,895 and 1,605,- 896, to which patentsreference is made for a fuller description of means to feed two yarns in a plating relation.- If the hump 20 be employed, the two threads may be fed without substantial difference in tension thereon, though for purposes of general description it may be assumed that the greater tension is imparted to one of the threads than the other, and desirably to the thread that is fed the lower, all as described in the said patent to Lawson, No. 1,605,895.

While in all the forms of the invention, we

described one illustrative embodiment of our invention, we desire it to be understood that although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation, the sco e of the invention being .set forth in the iollowing claims.

Claims:

1. In a knitting machine havlng a series of independent needles and having means to feed two threads thereto in a plating relation, and wherein reverse plating is effected through the cooperation of thread engagmg instrumentalities movable transversely to the needle series, means whereby thread engaging instrumentalities deflect outwardly to insure normal plating, selected needles at the thread engaging end in the vicmlty of the kn tting point and prior to completion of the stitches with continued feed of both threads to the selectively deflected needles.

2. In a knitting machine having a series of independent needles and having means to feed two threads thereto 'in a plating relation, and wherein reverse plating is effected through the cooperation of thread engaging mstrumentalities movable transversely to the needle series, means whereby thread engaging 1nstrumentalities deflect outwardly to insure normal plating, selected needles at the thread engaging end with continuedfeed of both threads to the selectively deflected needles.

3. In a knitting machine having a series of independent needles and having means to feed two threads thereto in a plating relation, a series of thread engaging reverse plating instrumentalities one for each needle and movable in and out in the stitch forming operation, a jack or-element cooperating with each of said instrumentalities and having formations to engage said instrumentalities and also to engage the corresponding needles to move the latter outwardly upon outward movements of said instrumentalities.

4. In a knitting machine having a series of independent needles and having means to feed two threads thereto in a plating relation, a series of instrumentalities one for each needle and movable in and out in the stitch forming operation, said instrumentalities being located in the grooves of the sinker bed ring, a jack or element in each of said grooves underlying said instrumentalities and provided with a butt to be engaged by the outer end of the in strumentality and a hook to engage the needle stem for the purpose described.

5. In a circular knitting machine havin a circular series of independent needles-and a web holder bed ring provided with radial grooves, a series of instrumentalities positioned in said grooves and cooperating in offecting reverse plating by thread engagement, and means moved by said instrumentalities and causing prolonged outward movement of said instrumentalities to rock corresponding needles outwardly.

for insuring change in plating.

6. In a knitting machine having a series of independent needles and havin means to feed two threads thereto in a platmg relation, a series of instrumentalities, one for each needle and movable in and out in knitting re, lation and cooperating in eflecting reverse plating by thread engagement, one or more of said. instrumentalities acting to deflect the thread receivin end of one or more of the needles during t e knitting operation, for the purpose of insuring change in plating. 7 In a circular knitting machine havinga circular series of independent needles and having means to feed two threads thereto in a plating relation, a series of instrumentalities, one for each needle movable radially in the knitting operation and cooperating in effecting reverse plating by thread engagement, one, or more of said instrumentalities acting to deflect the thread receiving end of one or more of the needles during the knitting operation, for the purpose of insuring change in plating.

8. In a knitting machine having a series of independent needles and having means to feed two threads thereto in a plating relation, a series of instrumentalities, one for each needle, movable in and out in knitting relation, and including special thread-engaging instrumentalitiescooperating in reverse plating, said thread engaging instrumentalities acting to deflect the thread receiving ends of needles adjacent to said special instrumentalities during the knitting operation,

9. In a knitting machine having a series of independent needles and having means to feed two threads thereto in a plating relation, and wherein reverse plating is efiected through the cooperation of thread engaging instrumentalities movable transversely to the needle series, said instrumentalities acting to deflect selected needles at the thread engaging end with continued feed of both threads to the selectively deflected needles whereby change to normal plating is insured.

10. In a knitting machine, a series of inde pendent needles and operating means therefor, to which needles two threads are adapted to be fed in a plating relation and in which machine reverse plating is effected through the cooperation of thread engaging instrumentalities movable transversely to the needle series, said instrumentalities constituting means for selectively deflecting needles of the series at the same distance from the yarn re- H ceiving ends thereof and in the vicinity of the knitting point and prior to completion of the stitches, to cause such change in the position of the two yarns at the yarn receiving ends of the needles that a change from reverse plating to normal plating is insured.

11. In a knitting machine, a series of independent needles and operating means therefor, to which needles two threads are adapted to be fed in a plating relation and in which machine reverse plating is effected through the cooperation of thread on aging instrumentalities movable transverse y to the needle series, said instrumentalities constitutlng means for selectively deflecting needles of the series at the same distance from the yarn receiving ends thereof and in the vicinity of the knitting point and prior to the completion of the stitches, to insure that the two yarns, while continuing in the loop formation, are cast off in a normal plating relation.

12. In a knitting machine, a series of independent needles and operating means therefor, to which needles two threads are adapted to be fed in aplating relation and in which machine reverse plating is effected through the coo eration of thread engaging instrumentalities movable transversely to the needle series, said instrumentalities constituting means for selectively engaging needles of the series at the same distance from the yarn receiving ends thereof and in the vicinity of the knitting point and prior to the completion of the stitches, to insure that the two yarns are changed from a reverse plating relation to a normal plating relation and are cast ofi at the needles in a normal plating relation.

13. In a knitting machine, a series of indedependent latch needles and operating means therefor, to which needles two yarns are adapted to be fed in a plating relation and in which machine reverse plating is eflected through the cooperation of thread engaging instrumentalities movable transversely to the needle series, said instrumentalities constituting means acting to deflect selected needles at their hooked ends and ada ted to act upon said needles all at the same 'stance from said hooked ends and in the vicinity of the knitting point and prior to the completion of the stitches, whereby to insure that the osition of the two threads within the hoo s of the needles is changed from a reverse plating position to a normal plating position and that both threads are cast off by said needles in loop formation but in normal plating relation.

14. In a knitting machine, a series of independent needles and operating means therefor, to which needles two threads are adapted to be fedin a plating relation and in which machine reverse plating is effected through the cooperation of thread engaging instrumentalities movable transversely to the needle series, said instrumentalities constituting means for deflecting selected needles at the thread engaging end with continued feeding of both threads to the selectively deflected needles, Whereb a change from reverse plating to normal piating relation of said threads is insured, said needle deflection existing at least while the surface over which the threads are measured or drawn in loop formation is substantially at the same level as the hook of the deflected needle.

15. In a knitting machine, a series of independent needles and operating means therefor, to which needles two threads are adapted to be fed in a plating relation and in which machine reverse plating is effected through the cooperation of thread engaging instrumentalities movable transversely to the needle series, said instrumentalities constituting means for deflecting selected needles at the thread engaging end with the continued feeding of both threads to the selectively deflected needles to insure a change from reverse plating to normal plating, said deflection existing at least during the downward movement of the deflected needles toward the knitting point.

16. In a knitting machine, a series of independent needles and operating means therefor, to which needles two threads are adapted to be fed inaplatingrelation and in which machine reverse plating is effected through the cooperation of thread engaging instrumentalities movable transversely to the needle series, sinkers or like instrumentalities for the needles respectively, said instrumentalities constituting means for deflectin selected needles at the thread engaging en with the continued feeding of both threads to the se lectively deflected needles,

ing relation is insured, each sinke'r having a surface over which the thread is drawn in loop formation and the needle deflecting means engaging the needles respectively at least at substantially the level of said surface. In testimony whereof, we have signed our names to this specification.

JOHN LAWSON.

ROBERT H. LAWSON.

whereby a change from reverse plating relation to normal plat-- 

